Are Facebook and Instagram Down?

Get the Story on the Meta Outage that is affecting thousands!

Yes, that’s right, it appears Facebook and Instagram are having issues this morning. If you’ve received an error message upon login and, like me, attempted to reset your password several times, you’re not alone.

Thousands are affected by this unprecedented Meta outage. Some users are reporting that as they were scrolling, they were simply logged off and have been unable to access any Meta software since that time.

Here’s an article from WFLA in Tampa reporting over 352,000 outages:

https://www.wfla.com/news/national/facebook-instagram-down-during-outage-thousands-affected/amp/

We do know, however, that Meta is aware of the issue.

X (Formerly Twitter) users are seizing the opportunity to take aim at Meta and their software engineers. A popular meme is circulating, showing a satirical picture of a Meta engineer attempting to resolve the issue. Check it out here.

In the meantime, this is a great opportunity to call those stale leads or past clients, send some texts, and create stellar LinkedIn content (which still totally works by the way) while we wait for our beloved channels to come back online.

Small Business Big Game: A Super Bowl “Little Engine That Could” Story

It seems almost impossible for small, community-based businesses to advertise on such a large stage and with such a huge bill. It doesn't seem relevant for our audience and it certainly doesn't fit into any ad budget that I've managed recently (or ever).

However, today we are going to dive into a "Little Engine That Could" type of story and take a look at how a small business scored big by winning a Super Bowl ad that launched their brand to new heights.

Back in 2016, Death Wish Coffee was a small company that was founded in Saratoga Spring, New York. They reported a 6 million dollar revenue in 2015. If they were to purchase a 30-second Super Bowl ad at that time, they would have spent almost all of their revenue ($5.5 mil) on that ad and would have been advertising a bankrupt business. That’s where Intuit Quickbooks came into play. Apparently, being such a household name, their marketing team decided they didn’t need the ad space and instead, chose to hold a contest where they would pay for a small business to have 30 seconds during the most watched sporting event in the world. Genius branding plan for them too, by the way. Rest assured although they didn’t have the actual ad space, their name was all over Super Bowl L.

Death Wish won the online vote, and Intuit named them the winner of the contest. From there, Death Wish created a 30-second ad of Vikings rowing their vessel across a sea of coffee to certain death and destruction. You can check it out on YouTube. A week before Super Bowl L, Intuit posted the video on Youtube, and Death Wish saw an almost instant 22x increase in their sales the week before. They forecasted a 15 million dollar revenue that year due to the Super Bowl ad space they had won, and instead saw $20 million.

After the ad and that year of massive growth, Death Wish went from being sold online and in 7 stores to being sold in thousands of stores across the country. They’re still growing, recently unveiling their sponsorship of Anthony Alfredo, a Nascar driver, in his quest to qualify for the Daytona 500.

So there you have it, a small business launched to new heights by a Super Bowl ad they didn’t even have to pay for. The moral of the story - don’t overlook opportunity just because your brand is smaller and your budget is tight. Remember - just keep chugging along.

Digital Marketing Trends for 2024

As we enter a new year, it’s time to undergo the seemingly mundane task of looking back at all of yesteryear’s marketing efforts (and all the data we can possibly get our hands on) to see what worked and what didn’t in 2023. The world of digital marketing continues to evolve at a rapid pace, presenting exciting opportunities for all businesses. In this edition, we bring you the latest trends and invaluable tips to help you navigate the digital landscape and elevate your brand. Let’s take a look and learn together about the trends we can expect as we enter 2024.

1. Video Dominance: The rise of short-form videos and interactive content is unstoppable. Leverage platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts to engage your audience creatively.

2. AI-Powered Personalization: Utilize artificial intelligence to deliver personalized experiences. AI-driven chatbots, recommendation engines, and targeted ads can enhance user engagement and satisfaction.

3. Social Commerce: Transform your social media platforms into sales channels. With features like Instagram Shopping and Facebook Marketplace, it's easier than ever to turn browsing into buying.

4. Voice Search Optimization: As voice-activated devices become increasingly popular, optimize your website and content for voice search. Focus on natural language and long-tail keywords to align with how people speak.

5. Sustainability Messaging: Consumers are becoming more conscious of eco-friendly practices. Showcase your commitment to sustainability in your digital marketing efforts, from content creation to product messaging.

💡 Tips for Small Business Success

1. Local SEO: Optimize your online presence for local searches. Claim and update your Google My Business listing, and encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews. Positive reviews will help your business SOAR to the first page of local online searches.

2. User-Generated Content: Encourage your customers to create content related to your products or services. User-generated content builds trust and authenticity. Affiliate marketers are all the hype right now and most CMSs will offer an affiliate link within the software somewhere. You don’t have to start with a huge, viral name - start small and see how it goes then reach out to more viral influencers.

3. Email Marketing Revamp: Refresh your email marketing strategy. Segment your audience, personalize content, and experiment with interactive elements to boost engagement. If you don’t have an email solution, try Mailchimp or one of the solutions I’ve mentioned in #4 - Cross Channel integration.

4. Cross-Channel Integration: Create a seamless customer journey by integrating your various digital channels. Ensure a consistent brand experience across your website, social media, and email marketing. Constant Contact, Hubspot, Hootsuite, and Heropost.io all offer great solutions for managing your brand’s content.

5. Data Privacy Compliance: Stay informed about data privacy regulations. Ensure that your business complies with relevant laws, such as GDPR and CCPA, to build trust with your audience.

So there it is, take these trends and tips into 2024 and do great things marketing your business! As always, the most personal and genuine forms of messaging to your audience will outperform your very best, most planned, and most thought-out sales pitch. Be yourself and let the audience follow YOU and your brand will develop naturally.

Remember: the best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing at all.

Boost Your Small Business with These Essential Social Media Marketing Tools

Hey Small Business Heroes! Ready to supercharge your social media game? We've got the lowdown on must-have tools that'll transform your online presence without breaking the bank. Let's dive in!

1. 📊 Analytics Wizards: Understand Your Audience Better

Ever heard of tools like Google Analytics or Facebook Insights? These wizards give you a backstage pass to your audience's behavior. Track what's working, who's engaging, and when. Use these insights to tweak your strategy and hit the sweet spot.

2. 💬 Chatbots: Your 24/7 Customer Service Rep

Meet the unsung heroes of customer service – chatbots! Tools like ManyChat or MobileMonkey are your digital assistants. They engage customers, answer FAQs, and never take a coffee break. Your clients get instant responses, and you get to focus on growing your biz.

3. 🎥 Video Magic: Bring Your Brand to Life

Videos rule the social media kingdom. Apps like InShot or Canva make creating eye-catching videos a breeze. Showcase your products, share behind-the-scenes moments, or explain your services in a snappy clip. Capture attention, tell your story, and watch engagement soar.

4. 📸 Short-Term Content: Stories that Stick

Instagram and Facebook Stories are your go-to tools for short-term content. It's like a digital flash sale – create urgency, share daily highlights, and connect with your audience in real time. Tools within these platforms let you add stickers, polls, and fun features. Easy and effective!

5. 👂 Social Listening: Hear What They're Saying

Ever eavesdrop on social media? Well, in a good way! Tools like Mention or Hootsuite let you 'listen in' on what people are saying about your brand or industry. Use this info to join conversations, address concerns, and show your audience you're tuned in.

Conclusion: Small Tools, Big Impact

There you have it, savvy business owners! These tools might be small, but they pack a punch. They're budget-friendly, user-friendly, and business-boosting. Embrace the digital age, try these tools out, and watch your small business shine on social media!

Ready to take the plunge? Small Town Digital has your back. Let's make your online presence unforgettable.

Meta Advertising Services: Elevate Your Digital Presence with Precision and Impact

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, staying ahead requires strategic innovation. Our Meta Advertising Services at Small Town Digital are designed to provide your business with a cutting-edge advantage on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and beyond.

Our expert team leverages the power of Meta platforms to craft tailored advertising campaigns that not only reach your target audience but resonate with them on a personal level. Here's a snapshot of what our Meta Advertising Services entail:

1. Targeted Campaigns: We go beyond generic advertising, diving deep into audience demographics, behaviors, and preferences. Our targeted campaigns ensure that your message is delivered to the right people at the right time, maximizing engagement and conversions.

2. Creative Excellence: Captivate your audience with visually stunning and compelling ad creatives. Our team of creative minds crafts content that not only aligns with your brand but also stops users mid-scroll, driving interest and sparking action.

3. Dynamic Ads: Keep your content fresh and relevant with dynamic ads that automatically adjust based on user interactions and preferences. Whether showcasing products, services, or promotions, our dynamic ads ensure that your content is always optimized for maximum impact.

4. Custom Audiences: Reach beyond the surface with custom audience targeting. We help you connect with existing customers, re-engage with previous website visitors, and expand your reach to lookalike audiences, fostering stronger connections and driving brand loyalty.

5. Data-Driven Optimization: The success of any campaign lies in continuous improvement. Our data-driven approach involves monitoring key metrics, analyzing user behavior, and refining strategies in real-time. This ensures that your Meta Advertising campaigns are always optimized for the best possible results.

6. Comprehensive Analytics: Gain valuable insights into the performance of your Meta Advertising efforts. Our analytics reports provide a clear understanding of campaign effectiveness, helping you make informed decisions and refine your digital strategy for sustained success.

7. Adaptable Strategies: The digital landscape is dynamic, and so are we. Our team stays abreast of Meta platform updates, algorithm changes, and industry trends. This adaptability ensures that your advertising strategies remain effective and in line with the latest advancements.

With our Meta Advertising Services, we don't just aim for visibility; we aim for impact. Let Small Town Digital be your partner in navigating the complexities of Meta platforms, unlocking new possibilities for your brand, and propelling your business to new heights in the digital realm.

Small Town Digital: Elevating Eastern North Carolina Businesses through Faith and Data-Driven Growth

In the heart of Eastern North Carolina, where the charm of small towns meets the power of digital innovation, a new force is emerging to transform local businesses. Small Town Digital, a family-owned and faith-based digital marketing firm, is on a mission to propel businesses to new heights using a unique blend of data-driven strategies and heartfelt dedication.

Faith-Focused Foundations:

At Small Town Digital, our journey is grounded in faith, integrity, and a commitment to helping businesses flourish. As a family-owned business, we understand the importance of trust and reliability. Our values guide every decision we make, ensuring that our clients receive not only exceptional digital marketing services but also a partnership built on honesty and respect.

Data-Driven Excellence:

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, data is king. Small Town Digital harnesses the power of data analytics to craft personalized strategies tailored to each client's unique needs. By diving deep into the numbers, we uncover valuable insights that drive growth, enhance customer engagement, and maximize return on investment.

Our Approach:

1. Local Understanding, Global Reach: Small Town Digital recognizes the significance of local markets. We leverage our deep understanding of Eastern North Carolina to create targeted campaigns that resonate with the community while ensuring a global reach for businesses looking to expand beyond local borders.

2. Customized Strategies: No two businesses are alike, and neither are their digital marketing needs. We pride ourselves on developing customized strategies that align with the goals and values of each client. Whether it's social media management, search engine optimization, or content creation, our approach is tailored for success.

3. Transparency and Communication: Building strong relationships is at the core of our philosophy. We prioritize transparent communication, keeping our clients informed every step of the way. From strategy development to performance tracking, we work collaboratively to achieve shared success.

4. Continuous Improvement: In the digital realm, adaptability is key. Small Town Digital is committed to staying ahead of industry trends, embracing new technologies, and evolving our strategies to ensure our clients remain at the forefront of their respective markets.

Community-Centric Commitment:

As a digital marketing firm nestled in Eastern North Carolina, Small Town Digital is not just about business; it's about community. We actively engage with local initiatives, supporting events, and fostering collaborations to contribute to the growth and vibrancy of our small towns.

Small Town Digital is more than just a digital marketing firm; it's a partner in your journey towards success. By combining faith-based principles with data-driven excellence, we are here to empower Eastern North Carolina businesses to thrive in the digital age. Join us in embracing the future while cherishing the values that make small towns so special. Let's grow together, one digital step at a time.